Genesis 41:14
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's life, transitioning from a prisoner to a man of influence. The Hebrew root for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) implies a deliberate action, indicating Pharaoh's urgency and authority. Historically, Egyptian rulers had absolute power, and Pharaoh's decision to summon Joseph underscores the desperation and hope placed in Joseph's ability to interpret dreams. This moment is a divine orchestration, fulfilling God's plan for Joseph's rise to power.

who was quickly brought out of the dungeon
The word "quickly" highlights the immediacy of the situation. Joseph's transition from the "dungeon" (בּוֹר, bor) to the palace is symbolic of God's ability to elevate His faithful servants from the depths of despair to positions of honor. The dungeon, a place of confinement and darkness, contrasts with the light and freedom Joseph is about to experience. This rapid change signifies God's timing and the fulfillment of His promises, reminding believers of the hope and deliverance that God provides.

After he had shaved and changed his clothes
In ancient Egyptian culture, appearance was significant, and shaving was a customary practice for cleanliness and respectability. The act of shaving and changing clothes symbolizes a transformation and preparation for a new role. Joseph's physical transformation reflects an inner readiness to fulfill God's purpose. This preparation is akin to the spiritual readiness believers must have when called to serve God in new capacities. It signifies leaving behind the old life and embracing the new opportunities God provides.

he went in before Pharaoh
This phrase signifies Joseph's entrance into a new phase of his life. "Went in" (בּוֹא, bo) implies entering with purpose and confidence. Standing "before Pharaoh" represents standing before the highest earthly authority, yet Joseph's confidence stems from his faith in God, the ultimate authority. This moment is a testament to God's faithfulness in elevating those who remain steadfast in their faith. It serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's plan, knowing that He can place them in positions of influence for His glory.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who had a troubling dream that none of his magicians or wise men could interpret.

2. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was unjustly imprisoned in Egypt. Known for his ability to interpret dreams, he was summoned by Pharaoh.

3. Dungeon
The prison where Joseph was held. It symbolizes a place of suffering and waiting, from which Joseph is delivered.

4. Egypt
The land where these events take place, representing a powerful kingdom in the ancient world.

5. Shaving and Changing Clothes
This act signifies Joseph's transition from prisoner to a position of influence, reflecting a change in status and preparation to meet Pharaoh.
Teaching Points
God's Timing and Sovereignty
Joseph's rise from the dungeon to the palace illustrates God's perfect timing and control over circumstances. Trust in God's plan, even when in difficult situations.

Preparation for Purpose
Joseph's preparation (shaving and changing clothes) signifies readiness for God's calling. We should prepare ourselves spiritually and practically for the roles God has for us.

Faithfulness in Trials
Despite his unjust imprisonment, Joseph remained faithful. Our faithfulness in trials can lead to opportunities for God's purposes to be fulfilled.

Transformation and Renewal
Joseph's change of clothes symbolizes transformation. In Christ, we are called to put off the old self and be renewed in Him.

God's Provision of Wisdom
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams was a gift from God. We should seek God's wisdom in our lives, trusting that He equips us for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's experience in Genesis 41:14 demonstrate God's sovereignty and timing in our lives?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for the roles and opportunities God may have for us, as Joseph did before meeting Pharaoh?

3. How can Joseph's faithfulness during his time in the dungeon inspire us to remain faithful in our own trials?

4. What does the act of Joseph changing his clothes before meeting Pharaoh symbolize in terms of spiritual transformation?

5. How can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily decisions, as Joseph did in interpreting dreams?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37
Joseph's journey begins with his dreams and his brothers' betrayal, setting the stage for his eventual rise in Egypt.

Genesis 40
Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, demonstrating his God-given ability and foreshadowing his role in Pharaoh's court.

Daniel 2
Similar to Joseph, Daniel interprets dreams for a foreign king, showing God's sovereignty and wisdom given to His servants.

Psalm 105:17-22
This passage recounts Joseph's account, emphasizing God's providence and faithfulness in elevating Joseph to a position of power.
The Blessing of Suffering WrongfullyJ.F. Montgomery Genesis 41:14
Great Changes in LifeJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 41:14-16
Joseph Summoned into Pharaoh's PresenceT. H. Leale.Genesis 41:14-16
The Prime MinisterJ. Dickerson Davies, M. A.Genesis 41:14-16
The Turning-Point in Joseph's CareerC. Overton.Genesis 41:14-16
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Calleth, Cause, Changed, Changeth, Clothes, Clothing, Cut, Dress, Dungeon, Garments, Hair, Hastily, Hurriedly, Joseph, Pharaoh, Pit, Prison, Quickly, Raiment, Run, Shaved, Shaveth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:14

     5180   shaving
     5344   imprisonment
     5461   prisoners

Genesis 41:1-49

     8131   guidance, results

Genesis 41:10-32

     7730   explanation

Library
The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial;
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour,
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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